How to Get Your Real Estate License in Nevada (2026)
Compare 6 NRED-approved schools — including one completely free option. 120-hour requirement, Pearson VUE exam, and one of the fastest paths to a commission check in the country.
Course Cost
Free – $600
Time to License
6 – 16 weeks
Avg Salary
$87,000/yr
Required Hours
120 hours
Top 3 Nevada Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. ARTI Academics
Nevada's only completely FREE 120-hour NRED-approved course. ARELLO accredited with 15,000+ students enrolled. No catches — free to start, free to finish.
$0 FREE
no cost to enroll
2. Real Estate School of Nevada
Las Vegas-based with 30+ years in Nevada. Free tutoring included, job placement assistance, and a pass guarantee. Best value among paid options.
$99
Online Study package
3. Key Realty School
Top-rated local school with 30+ years and the highest state exam pass rate in Nevada. CompuCram exam prep included in Deluxe. Classroom and livestream options available.
$249
Basic package
Best Real Estate Schools in Nevada
All 6 schools are Nevada NRED-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
ARTI Academics
Free CourseStarting at
$0
- 100% FREE — no cost to enroll
- 120-hour NRED-approved course
- ARELLO accredited
- Live test prep available
- 15,000+ students enrolled
Available Packages (1)
Nevada Pre-Licensing (120 Hours)
- 120-hour online pre-license course
- Video lectures & study guides
- Practice exams
- Mobile app access
- NRED-approved certificate
Real Estate School of Nevada
Starting at
$99
- Las Vegas-based, 30+ years in NV
- Free tutoring included
- Job placement assistance
- Weekend exam prep seminars
- Pass guarantee
Available Packages (3)
Online Study
- 120-hour online pre-license course
- Free course e-book
- Free tutoring
- Mobile, tablet & desktop access
- Pass your class guarantee
Key Realty School
Local LeaderStarting at
$249
- 30+ years educating Nevada agents
- Highest state exam pass rate
- CompuCram® exam prep included (Deluxe)
- Pass or Don't Pay guarantee
- Local classroom & livestream options
Available Packages (3)
Basic
- 120-hour online pre-license course
- E-books
- 12-month unlimited access
- Practice exams
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Starting at
$299
- 120-hour NRED-approved course
- National brand with 80+ years history
- Exam-focused curriculum
- 18-month support after exam
Available Packages (2)
Nevada Licensing with Exam Prep
- 120-hour pre-license course
- Exam prep materials
- Practice exams
The CE Shop
Starting at
$315
- 120-hour NRED-approved course
- LEAP interactive learning platform
- Exam Prep Edge (Standard & above)
- Instructor-led webinars
- Money-back guarantee
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 120-hour pre-license course
- Digital flashcards
- Career resources
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$329
- 120-hour NRED-approved course
- AI-powered tutoring
- Pass guarantee (select packages)
- Career resources & job board
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 120-hour pre-license course
- Online proctored exams
- Digital course materials
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Nevada?
Average Annual Income
$80,000 – $100,000
ZipRecruiter (Jan 2026): $87,363 statewide avg
Top Earners
$150,000 – $300,000+
Luxury markets: Summerlin, Henderson, Lake Tahoe
Commission Structure
Nevada real estate salespersons typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $469,700 home (Nevada's median), a 3% buyer's agent commission generates approximately $14,091 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage keep roughly $9,864. Closing 6–8 deals in your first year puts first-year earnings at $59,184–$78,912. In Las Vegas, Indeed reports $97,984 average — well above the national median.
Top-Earning Nevada Markets
Is a Nevada Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Free Course Available: ARTI Academics offers a completely free NRED-approved 120-hour course — the lowest barrier to entry in the country.
- + Las Vegas Powerhouse: One of the most active real estate markets in the U.S. with massive demand from relocations, investment buyers, and vacation properties.
- + Online Exam Option: Nevada allows the Pearson VUE exam to be taken remotely — you never have to visit a test center if you prefer.
- + Broad Reciprocity: 16-state reciprocity network — one of the largest in the nation — makes Nevada a great base for multi-state real estate operations.
- + No State Income Tax: Nevada has no state income tax, meaning you keep more of every commission dollar you earn.
👎 Cons
- - 120 Hours Required: Nevada requires more pre-license education than many states (some require only 40–75 hours), which takes more time before you can sit for the exam.
- - Commission-Only Income: No salary until you close a deal — new agents must budget for 2–6 months before their first commission check.
- - Post-Licensing Requirement: 30 hours of post-licensing education is required within your first year — an additional time and cost commitment after receiving your license.
- - Dual-Section Exam: You must pass both national and state sections at 75% independently — failing one requires retaking it at the full $100 exam fee.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Nevada
Confirm You Meet the Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent. If you have a criminal history, contact NRED at (702) 486-4033 before investing in coursework — NRED reviews applications on a case-by-case basis. Convictions involving dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation carry the most weight. No Nevada residency is required.
Complete 120 Hours of NRED-Approved Pre-License Education
Enroll in a state-approved 120-hour pre-license course covering four subjects: Real Estate Principles (45 hrs), Real Estate Law including 18 hrs of Nevada Law (45 hrs), Real Estate Transactions (15 hrs), and Agency (15 hrs). Options range from completely free (ARTI Academics) to $600 for comprehensive packages. Upon completion, you receive a certificate of completion — keep it as proof of eligibility for the Pearson VUE exam.
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check
Download and complete the Fingerprint Background Waiver form from red.nv.gov and mail it to NRED. Then visit an NRED-approved fingerprint vendor to have your fingerprints taken (approximately $65). The vendor submits your fingerprints electronically to NRED and the FBI. Background check results are valid for 6 months — begin this process early to avoid delays. Out-of-state applicants may use hard-copy fingerprint cards.
Schedule and Pass the Pearson VUE Nevada Real Estate Exam
Schedule your exam at home.pearsonvue.com/nv/realestate and pay the $100 exam fee. Test in person in Las Vegas (2 locations), Reno, or Elko — or take the exam remotely from home via online proctoring. The 4-hour exam has 120 scored questions: 80 national and 40 Nevada-specific, plus 5–10 unscored national pretest questions. You must score 75% or higher on each section independently. Results are displayed immediately after you finish.
Submit Your License Application and $140 Fee to NRED
Download Application Form 549 from red.nv.gov. Complete the form including your sponsoring broker's name, license number, and contact information — NRED will not process applications without broker information. Mail the form with all required documents and the $140 fee to 3300 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 350, Las Vegas, NV 89102. You can also drop it off in person on business days 8 a.m.–4 p.m. You have 12 months from passing the exam to complete this step.
Receive Your License and Begin Practicing
NRED typically processes applications and mails your license within 10 business days of receiving a complete application. Once issued, you are a licensed Nevada real estate salesperson and can legally represent buyers and sellers under your sponsoring broker's supervision. Within your first year, you must complete 30 hours of post-licensing education approved by NRED before your first renewal.
Nevada Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- High school diploma or GED required
- No college degree required
- No Nevada residency required
- Must pass fingerprint-based background check
Education & Exam Requirements
- 120 hours of NRED-approved pre-license education
- 4 subjects: Principles, Law, Transactions, Agency
- Pass Pearson VUE exam (120 questions, 4 hours)
- 75% or higher on BOTH sections independently
- Must affiliate with a licensed Nevada broker
- 30 hours post-licensing required within year one
📋 Pre-License Curriculum Breakdown (120 Hours)
Property ownership, legal descriptions, title, deeds
National and Nevada-specific real estate law
Contracts, purchase agreements, disclosures
Agency relationships, broker-agent duties, risk reduction
Nevada Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Nevada real estate salesperson license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (120 hours) | Free – $600 | ARTI Academics is FREE; paid options from $99–$600. Use CertLaunch discount to save up to 20%. |
| Fingerprinting & Background Check | $65 – $65 | NRED-approved vendor; ~$40 covers FBI national background check. Valid 6 months. |
| State Exam Fee (Pearson VUE) | $100 – $100 | $100 per attempt. Remote online proctoring available — no test center required. |
| License Application Fee (NRED) | $140 – $140 | Form 549, mailed or delivered to NRED in Las Vegas. Processed in ~10 business days. |
| Estimated Total | $305 – $905 | As low as $305 using ARTI's free course |
The Nevada Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple-choice (national + Nevada state sections)
- Questions: 120 scored (80 national + 40 state) + 5–10 unscored pretest
- Passing score: 75% on both sections independently (60/80 national, 30/40 state)
- Time limit: 240 minutes (150 national + 90 state)
- Provider: Pearson VUE
- Cost: $100 per attempt
- Online option: Remote proctored exam available
Exam Topics
- Real property characteristics, ownership types, legal descriptions
- Property valuation, appraisal methods, market analysis
- Real estate contracts, purchase agreements, agency relationships
- Real estate finance, mortgages, settlement & closing procedures
- Property disclosures, fair housing laws, environmental issues
- Nevada real estate law, licensing law & NRED regulations
- Nevada agency duties and broker-salesperson relationships
- Real estate math calculations and commission structures
💡 Exam Prep Tip
Nevada requires 75% on both sections independently — meaning you can't compensate for a weak national score with a strong state score. The Nevada Law section (18 of the 45 law hours in your course) and agency topics are frequently cited as the hardest areas. Schools that include exam prep packages — like Key Realty School's CompuCram (Deluxe) or The CE Shop's Exam Prep Edge — significantly improve first-attempt pass rates. You can also take the exam remotely from home via Pearson VUE online proctoring.
📍 Nevada Pearson VUE Test Centers
How Long Does It Take to Get a Nevada Real Estate License?
6–8 weeks
Full-time
Study 8 hrs/day — complete course in ~3 weeks, exam + NRED processing within 3–5 more weeks
10–14 weeks
Part-time
Study 4 hrs/day — complete course in ~6 weeks, then exam and NRED application within 4–6 weeks
16–24 weeks
Casual pace
Study ~10 hrs/week — complete course in ~12 weeks, then 4–6 weeks to finish exam and NRED processing
Note: You have 12 months from passing the Pearson VUE exam to submit your NRED license application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Nevada?
Total costs typically range from $305 to $905. This includes your 120-hour pre-license course (FREE with ARTI Academics, or $149–$600 with other providers), the Pearson VUE exam fee ($100), the NRED salesperson license application fee ($140), and fingerprinting ($65). Using a CertLaunch discount code can save you up to 20% on paid courses — lowering your upfront investment before your first commission check.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Nevada?
Most candidates complete the process in 6–16 weeks. The 120-hour pre-license course takes 3–4 weeks full-time or 8–10 weeks part-time. After completing the course, you schedule fingerprinting and the Pearson VUE exam, then submit your license application — NRED typically processes applications within 10 business days. You have 12 months from passing the exam to complete the full licensing process.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Nevada?
You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, hold a high school diploma or GED, complete 120 hours of NRED-approved pre-license education, pass the Pearson VUE exam with 75% or higher on both sections independently, pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and affiliate with a licensed Nevada broker. No college degree or Nevada residency is required.
Is the Nevada real estate exam hard?
Nevada's exam is considered moderately challenging. The 120-question exam requires a 75% passing score on both the national (80 questions) and Nevada state (40 questions) sections independently — a higher threshold than many states. NRED does not publish official first-time pass rates, but well-prepared candidates who use quality practice exam materials consistently pass at much higher rates. The Nevada Law section and agency topics are frequently cited as the most difficult areas.
Can I take the Nevada real estate pre-license course online?
Yes. NRED-approved online courses are widely available and allow you to study at your own pace from anywhere. All schools listed on CertLaunch offer online options that fully satisfy Nevada's 120-hour requirement. Even better: unlike many states, Nevada also allows the actual Pearson VUE licensing exam to be taken online (remote proctored) from your home computer, making the entire process from course to license achievable without ever leaving your home.
How much do real estate agents make in Nevada?
Nevada real estate salespersons earn an average of $80,000–$100,000 per year. ZipRecruiter (Jan 2026) reports $87,363 statewide, $80,252 in Las Vegas, and $85,541 in Reno. Indeed reports $97,984 in Las Vegas. With Nevada's median home price around $469,700, a 3% buyer's agent commission on a typical transaction generates roughly $14,091 — and top producers in Las Vegas luxury markets and the Reno/Lake Tahoe tech corridor earn $150,000–$300,000+.
Do I need a college degree to get a Nevada real estate license?
No. Nevada only requires you to be 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent. No college degree, prior real estate experience, or Nevada residency is required. The 120-hour NRED-approved pre-license course is the only formal education requirement before taking the exam.
What is the best real estate school in Nevada?
The best school depends on your learning style, schedule, and budget. ARTI Academics offers a completely free NRED-approved 120-hour course — the best value available anywhere. Key Realty School is the top-rated local option with 30+ years educating Nevada agents and the highest state exam pass rate. Compare all options on CertLaunch to find your best fit.
Does Nevada have real estate license reciprocity with other states?
Yes — Nevada has one of the broadest reciprocity networks in the country, with agreements covering 16 states: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. If you hold an active salesperson license or higher in one of these states, you may qualify for a Nevada salesperson license without completing the full 120-hour pre-license course. Contact NRED at (702) 486-4033 for documentation requirements.
Can I get a Nevada real estate license with a criminal record?
Possibly. Nevada does not automatically disqualify applicants with criminal records — NRED reviews each application individually. Convictions involving dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation carry the most weight in the review process. You must disclose all criminal history honestly; failure to disclose is itself grounds for denial. It is strongly recommended that you contact NRED at (702) 486-4033 before enrolling in courses if you have a criminal history.